Space and Weight Allowances BG84 2024
Space and Weight Allowances (BG 84/2024) was published by BSRIA in February 2024. It was written by Chin Hang “Kay” Lam.
It provides useful information for the early stages of design. Graphs are provided on areas, heights and weights of mechanical, electrical and public health equipment. Information is also included on floor space allowances, space for access, occupancy densities and means of escape.
This guide partly replaces BG 9/2011 Rules of Thumb 5th Edition. Information has been updated based on consultation with designers and manufacturers, and new information has been provided on lifts and electrical switchgear.
Its contents are:
- Introduction.
- Mechanical and public health equipment.
- Electrical equipment.
- Space allowances for lift installations.
- General building services.
- Occupancy densities and structural loadings.
- Means of escape for fire safety.
- References.
You can download the guide here.
BSRIA intends to fully replace BG 9/2011 Rules of Thumb 5th Edition by publishing further new guides in 2024, covering:
- Mechanical criteria.
- Electrical criteria.
- Useful information and glossary.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings.
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.





















